Steven Spielberg fined for breaking Italian beach law

London: Filmmaker Steven Spielberg had to pay fine after locals complained that the director`s speed boat came too close to the beach for comfort.

The Oscar-winning director anchored his 85 metre (280ft) motor yacht off the Italian island this month before loading his guests, including god-daughter Gywneth Paltrow, on to a 10 metre dinghy and heading for Porto Liscia beach, a stunning stretch of sand north of the billionaires` hangout of Porto Cervo, The Guardian reported.

But sunbathers on the beach were quick to call the coastguard after noticing the glamorous landing party and accompanying bodyguards had ignored one of the many Italian beach rules that trip up the super rich each summer.

"We were called to the scene after being told that a dinghy had come within 300 metres of the shore with its engine on, which is a fineable offence," said Commander Vincenzo Petrella.

Spielberg`s yacht Seven Seas, complete with a 26-member crew, helipad, infinity pool and cinema, stayed moored well off the beach in Sardinia this month.

But when he headed for the beach alongside Paltrow, a sunbather decided to turn him in, even as he stepped on to the sand and obliged fans by signing autographs.

"For using his engine within 300 metres of the coast, instead of rowing in, Spielberg received a 172 Euro fine," said Petrella.

"But he clearly didn`t know he had broken the rules and was a real gentleman about it. The fine was paid promptly the following morning."